Discussion 1

Overview

A local parenting agency has contacted you to write a short article for their community magazine, "Ages and Stages" section. This month's theme is "The Importance of Play in Child Development." In the article you are asked to give your opinion on play as it relates to toddlers. Support your position with current research that demonstrates how play contributes to a toddler's development.

Initial Post - In your 200-300 word article, address the following:

• Explain your opinion on play and how you believe it affects toddler development.

• Justify your opinion with at least one scholarly resource that supports the concept of play. You can use the Ashford University Library or the Internet to locate a scholarly article.

• Describe what a developmentally appropriate environment would include. Explain the significance of designing an environmental space to nurture a child's physical, socio-emotional, cognitive, and language development. You can include a description of the physical space as well as any play materials that you would recommend.

• List ideas for play that you would share with families. These could be games, activities or ideas that they can use in their home.

Discussion 2

Your initial discussion thread is due on Day 3 (Thursday) and you have until Day 7 (Monday) to respond to your classmates. Your grade will reflect both the quality of your initial post and the depth of your responses. Refer to the Discussion Forum Grading Rubric under the Settings icon above for guidance on how your discussion will be evaluated.

The Terrific Twos

Overview

Toddlers are on a fast moving developmental trajectory - they are no longer dependent babies focused on survival. Instead, they are running, jumping, and problem-solving with unique personalities. Toddlerhood is a fun and exciting time as children are developing physically, cognitively, linguistically, and socially. There is a significant increase in language acquisition during toddlerhood as they are producing more words and following simple directions.

According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, families and professionals can serve as role models during this stage by demonstrating kindness, respect, and patience. As professionals we must recognize that toddlers need guidance, support, and understanding, as they are trying to navigate their own independence.

Initial Post - Choose two of the following topics below:

• Individuation/separation
• Separation anxiety
• Language development
• Object permanence
• Egocentrism
• Conservation
• Zone of proximal development
• Self-help skills
• Safety for toddlers

Next, address the following:

1. Explain and define the specific topics that you selected.

2. Discuss how you, as an educator (or other professional role such as therapist, social worker, etc.) can support a toddler in this stage of development by giving specific examples.

3. Explain what is happening during this stage from a developmental perspective. (e.g. what are the cognitive, physical changes they are experiencing and why are they experiencing these changes)

4. What advice would you give to parents and families who are having a difficult time adjusting to their toddler?

Guided Response: Post replies to at least two peers. Provide two other examples of how they might support the child during this stage. Give at least two strategies for how to help a struggling parent with their toddler and explain why modeling for a child is vital to their development.

Though two replies is the basic expectation, for deeper engagement and learning, you are encouraged to provide responses to any comments or questions others have given to you (including the instructor) before the last day of the learning week; this will further the conversation while also giving you opportunities to demonstrate your content expertise, critical thinking, and real world experiences with this topic.